Sun expected to come in out of the rain, for now

Except for the dandelions, the lawns are dying. Even some of the region’s native bushes could use some water.

The month of July was dry, save for a sprinkle on July 17 with a mere .03-inch of rain.

The long stretch of mostly sunny summer days came to an end Wednesday.

Today, a 30 percent chance of rain is predicted by the National Weather Service office in Seattle, meteorologist Jay Neher said.

Friday morning also could be rainy, but afternoon sun breaks are expected, Neher said.

People with weekend plans for Seafair, the Mukilteo Waterfront Art Festival, Jetty Island, the AquaSox or the Stanwood-Camano Community Fair can relax in anticipation of partly sunny skies Saturday and a mostly sunny Sunday, with temperature highs mainly in the 70s, Neher said.

So far, it’s been a much drier year than it was in 2012 up to this point, he said.

Normal rainfall through July is close to 20 inches, Neher said. In 2012, precipitation up to Aug. 1 was about 26 inches. This year, we’ve accumulated 18 inches.

Looking ahead to next week, the forecast calls for morning clouds and afternoon sunshine on most days.